Esther Wilson

Esther (Smith) Wilson, 93, of Potsdam, NY, and formerly of Norwich, passed away on Wednesday, May 6, 2026, at her residence.

Born on March 6, 1932, in Preston, NY, Esther was a daughter of T. Berton and Flora (Lewis) Smith. She attended school in Norwich and graduated from Norwich High School. As an adult, Esther worked as a bookkeeper at the Norwich Pharmacal Company.

In retirement, Esther resided at Lehigh Acres and Dowling Park in Florida. Her interests in life were varied. She enjoyed knitting, studying the Bible, and spending time with her sisters.

In 1951, in Preston, NY, Esther married, Stanley “Stan” Wilson. Together, they would start a family and stay devoted to each other until his death on March 10, 2022.

Esther is survived by her son, John D. Wilson; daughter, Laura E. Bess; grandchildren, Mariah (Joshua) Franclemont and Morgan Wilson; siblings, Carolyn Georgia, Irma (Dave) Petley, and Fern Pierce; and sister-in-law, Jude Smith. She was predeceased by her brother, Charles Smith and her sister, Margaret “Peg” Sylstra.

A funeral service for Esther will be held at 10:30 a.m. on Wednesday, May 13, 2026 at the Preston United Methodist Church, 115 County Road 19, Norwich, NY 13815. Burial will immediately follow at Mt. Hope Cemetery, in Norwich.

Memorial contributions in her memory may be made to Mercy Ships, P.O. Box 1930, Garden Valley, Texas 75771-1930.

Funeral arrangements are entrusted with the Wilson Funeral Home.